Cumbria benefice discovers benefits of community lunches for CMS!
Each year the churches of a benefice near Carlisle comprising St Mary’s in Wreay, All Saints in Raughton Head, St Micheal’s, Dalston and St John’s, Cumdivock hold a series of Lent soup lunches to gather the community together and to raise funds for CMS.
2011 was no exception as these photos show.
On the six Fridays in Lent between Ash Wednesday and Maunday Thursday, local church members provide delicious soups and tray bakes, and volunteer as waitresses and kitchen staff to provide a feast for all comers.
As Terry, a regular, assures us, "Lunch is by no means abstemious – we enjoy good food and relaxed chat."
Good fun is not limited to the 'punters' – laughter is often to be heard in the kitchen too.
Doreen, often to be found by the stove, is certain of one thing, "Who said, 'There is only room for one woman in the kitchen'? Each year we disprove that I think!"
In 2010 the lunches raised £521.29. Thanks to all who help and who attend these friendly and sociable, community-building occasions!
And for this benefice the fundraising doesn’t stop in Lent.
2010 saw a coffee morning with a garden produce and home baking stall in July, and a stall in the local square on the village ‘Festival Friday’.
Why not do something similar yourselves? Get your church together and put on an event (or a series of events) to raise money for mission.
Community fundraising is an invaluable way of supporting our mission partners in their Christ-sharing work around the world. Join the Carlisle benefice and work with us towards a world that knows Jesus.
For all sorts of advice on community fundraising events, and for any queries, email
Hannah or phone on
01865 787521.